In the golden days of old Tinseltown, when silver screens flickered and stars were born, some actresses stood out above all others. These women weren’t just talented, they were icons who set trends, broke rules, and made a lasting impact. In this story, we’ve curated a list of 8 iconic women who have contributed to Hollywood and made their rightful legacy.
Judy Garland (1922-1969)
Judy Garland was a famous singer and actress, known for her strong voice and acting skills. She won various awards when she was only 16 for her role in The Wizard of Oz in 1939 and starred in classic musicals like Meet Me in St. Louis in 1944 and A Star is Born in 1954. Garland’s honesty and heartfelt singing made her shine in classic Hollywood musicals. She connected deeply (especially with women) by being real about her feelings. Her struggles with addiction and mental health showed how tough showbiz can be but her determination helped her overcome it all, inspiring many along the way.
Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)
Marilyn Monroe was an iconic Hollywood star in the 1950s known for her playful charm in movies like Some Like It Hot and The Seven Year Itch. Her style inspired fashion, music, and art everywhere. Even though Marilyn was often cast as a stereotypical “dumb blonde,” she never let that define her.
She started her own movie company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, Inc., to have more say in her work. Her unfortunate life story still interests people and makes them talk about what beauty really means. By the time she passed away in 1962, her films had earned a whopping $200 million.
Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)
Audrey Hepburn, who won an Oscar for Roman Holiday in 1953, was famous for her elegance, grace, and stylish fashion. You might know her from timeless movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and My Fair Lady (1964). Hepburn’s chic and charming style made many women want to dress like her. She was both real and funny on screen, not just all fancy and dramatic like Hollywood usually was that time.
Later on, she devoted her final years of life to UNICEF and became their Goodwill Ambassador (1988 to 1993), focusing on advocating for children’s rights around the world. Her work inspired others to care deeply about other social issues.
Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011)
Elizabeth Taylor, a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour, left her mark on the world in more ways than one. Her early films like National Velvet and A Place in the Sun made her a star, and her talent shone through with two Best Actress Oscars for Butterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
This latter film is still considered one of her finest works to date. A passionate advocate, she became a powerful voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS through organizations like amfAR. Her efforts to speak out helped people learn more and think differently about the illness.
Rita Moreno (1931-present)
Rita Moreno is one of the few artists to achieve Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards (EGOT). She won an Oscar for her portrayal of Anita in West Side Story in 1962, which was a rare accolade for a Latina actress at the time. Not only did she appear in over 40 films, numerous TV shows, and even Broadway plays, but also helped pave the way for a more diverse Hollywood.
Her influence wasn’t just in her younger years. Even in her 80s, Rita continued to act and inspire others. She actively fought against racism and sexism in Hollywood, making a difference not just for herself but for future generations of actors to come.
Jane Fonda (1937-present)
Jane Fonda is a true triple threat — a talented actress, a passionate activist, and a fitness pioneer who continues to inspire us all. Fonda first rose to fame in comedies like Cat Ballou and the space adventure Barbarella. This talent landed her not one, but two Best Actress Oscars for Klute and Coming Home.
She also starred in movies that addressed social problems like the Vietnam War in Coming Home and the dangers of nuclear power in The China Syndrome. The actress is also a vocal advocate for social justice and women’s rights. In the 1980s, she became a fitness guru with her popular workout videos, inspiring millions to get healthy.
Dolly Parton (1946-present)
Dolly Parton, a country music icon, is celebrated for her talents as a singer-songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. With an impressive 10 Grammy Awards to her name, she speaks out about important issues like poverty and inequality, giving a voice to everyday Americans.
She created Dollywood, a theme park, featuring her exhibits people love to visit. She helps others by giving books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. It is a book gifting program that mails high quality books to children from birth to age five. Not that, she even raised millions of funds for Great Smoky Mountain wildfires, Middle Tennessee floods, COVID-19 pandemic.
Meryl Streep (1949-present)
Meryl Streep is known as one of the best actresses ever with over 45 years in the industry. She has been nominated for the most Best Actress Oscars, with 21 nods, winning three times for her roles in Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice, and The Iron Lady.
By taking on complex roles, she breaks stereotypes and tells diverse stories. Streep has been acting for a long time and always gives her best, which makes her a role model for others in Hollywood. The actress is still active at the veteran age of 75. She will be soon reprising her role as Miranda Priestly in the sequel to Devil’s Wear Prada along with Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt. That’s all!
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